[ Closed ] CL surfing: Pacer???/

looks like even Jay Leno likes these

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJ4M829GTz0&t=21s

Too bad its gone but I can say with certainty that Eric and the other judges aren't going to sweat the budget for that beauty.

and that somebody.....was ME!
I sent the guy an email, and did not hear from him for several days....so I assumed it was sold, but he texted me and said he still had the car under a tarp in his driveway.


Having a day off, I drove up to take a look...


started right up, drove great, amazingly not much rust anywhere...floors seem solid, just a bit damp in the footwells, did not smoke much out of exhaust, brakes well, shifts through all 4 gears and reverse perfectly, electronic stuff works, comfy interior. Seller guy was super nice and honest, pointing out all the car's problems.  He said he picked it up from some guy who kept it in his garage and was going through a divorce (?I wonder if it had anything to do with the Pacer being in the garage...??)

Handled ok but rear shocks dangling and rear leaf springs lift the rear end really high

Oil sludgy, but no coolant on the dipstick
Leaking power steering fluid
Puffs of smoke coming out of dip stick tube, and oil filler hole
Faint rattle under valve cover
AC belt missing
So we agreed on $1300....a bit over Lemons $500, but I'm sure Eric and Co. would appreciate this beauty on the track...they have good taste.
(Wife not so much....
Me: honey, it is a one of a kind, no one else has one like this
Wife: there is a reason for that
Me: but driving it around, everyone smiles and waves to you....it brings happiness to peoples lives
Wife: That's because they know it won't be parked in their driveway tonight...)
So I gave the guy $1000 and picked it up a week later with the other $300 and a UHaul truck, and drove it home....

Now what...???  straight 6 cylinder with carburetor, rear wheel drive, manual tranny....hell, I've never worked on stuff like this...at least it came with a shop manual...

.I can't even get the Prelude to run well enough to make it to the New Hampshire race....

so... the journey begins...
?Plan: Refurbish? make it a daily driver and take it on some Lemons Rallies? Hot Rod? Rat Rod? or Lemonize it and aim for Domination?

My consultant, advisor, therapist, and counselor, who patiently listens to all my problems (car problems, not psychological problems) already is devising a plan for a turbo...!

now that is pure AWESOMENESS!!!

Staight six AMC! and manual tranny...

RockAuto has all that stuff listed...

Rockauto list in progress...depending on what they have.!

I need to figure out what to do with the rear leaf spring replacement, and shocks in rear, to lower it a bit....what to buy &  where...
so probably will need to then figure out the front situation with springs and shocks...

and Lemons Rally plans are being worked out already!  need to see the schedule for next year, but certainly if there is a repeat in northeast, I would plan on doing that..and dungeonracer could be my co pilot!!  Seats are comfy and cushy...even the rear seats...just needs a good cleaning

A Pacer wagon with genuine factory original fake wood grain trim should get bonus laps.

I'll bet a case of beer that Eric will grant a budget waiver; probably an unlimited/permanent one.

Looks like it was built a while back and sold on EBAY!!

https://www.motortrend.com/features/hrd … cer-wagon/

https://www.lsxmag.com/news/video-ten-s … e-on-ebay/

darn....missed that sale!!